The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government - Book reviews of The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government

'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government' book reviews

Review for'The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government'

David Talbot’s engrossing book, "The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government," delves into the shadowy corridors of power that have shaped the modern American state. Talbot, the founder and former editor-in-chief of Salon, takes readers on a chilling journey through the clandestine operations and covert machinations of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under the direction of Allen Dulles, one of the most influential and controversial figures in American intelligence history.

The narrative is as riveting as it is informative, shedding light on the intricate web of espionage, political subterfuge, and covert actions orchestrated by Dulles. Talbot meticulously documents how Dulles, with his patrician demeanor and legal acumen, wielded unprecedented power, often operating with little to no oversight from the government or the public. The book paints a portrait of Dulles as a master manipulator, whose vision for the CIA extended far beyond mere intelligence gathering; he envisioned an autonomous entity capable of shaping global events according to American interests, often with ruthless disregard for legality or morality.

One of the book's strengths is its thorough research, drawing on a wealth of declassified documents, personal correspondences, and interviews with key figures. Talbot provides a detailed account of Dulles’s early career, his role in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, and his subsequent rise to power in the CIA. The author doesn’t shy away from exposing the darker aspects of Dulles's tenure, including the agency’s involvement in coups, assassinations, and other operations that undermined democratic governments worldwide.

"The Devil's Chessboard" also explores the impact of Dulles’s actions on American democracy. Talbot argues that Dulles contributed to the establishment of a "secret government" that operates beyond the checks and balances intended by the Constitution. This clandestine apparatus, he suggests, has had lasting consequences for U.S. foreign and domestic policy. The book's title itself is a metaphor for the strategic and often sinister moves orchestrated by Dulles, likening the geopolitical landscape to a chessboard where nations and leaders are mere pawns in a grand game of power.

Talbot’s writing is both compelling and accessible, making complex historical events and intelligence operations understandable to the lay reader. His narrative style combines investigative journalism with historical analysis, creating a work that is both informative and engaging. However, some critics may argue that Talbot’s portrayal of Dulles is overly antagonistic, and that the book sometimes veers into conspiracy theory territory. Despite this, Talbot provides sufficient evidence to support his claims, making a persuasive case for the profound and often detrimental influence of Dulles and the CIA on global affairs.

In conclusion, "The Devil's Chessboard" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the CIA, American foreign policy, or the intricate dynamics of power within the U.S. government. Talbot’s incisive examination of Allen Dulles’s career and the broader implications of his actions offers a sobering reflection on the hidden forces that continue to shape our world. This book is a remarkable contribution to the field of investigative history, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in the exercise of covert power.

Similar BooksMore